Ruto Secures Sh107 Billion in Chinese Investments to Drive Kenya’s Economic Growth
President William Ruto has announced the signing of landmark investment agreements valued at Sh107 billion during his official tour of China. The deals, witnessed at the Kenya-China Investor Roundtable in Beijing, mark a major milestone in Kenya’s drive to become East Africa’s leading economic and investment hub.
The agreements, signed by seven prominent Chinese firms, span sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and technology. Organized by the Ministry of Trade in collaboration with KenInvest and the Chinese government, the business forum aimed to deepen economic ties between the two nations.
“Kenya is open for business,” President Ruto declared, underscoring Kenya’s strategic location, a tech-savvy workforce, and investor-friendly policies. He highlighted incentives such as a 10-year tax holiday, seamless profit repatriation, and legal protections that continue to attract global investors.
Major Investment Projects Announced
- China Wuyi will invest Sh19.5 billion in establishing a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) on 191 acres in Kikambala, Kilifi. This project is expected to generate over 5,000 jobs.
- Penfeng Investment Limited and Shangcheng Apparel Group are investing Sh2.6 billion in warehouses for textile, garment, and solar power factories in Kajiado.
- Rongtai Steel Limited has committed Sh19.5 billion to a steel production factory in Lukenya, supporting Kenya’s affordable housing initiative and creating 700 jobs.
- Shandong Jialejia Agriculture will establish a 500,000-hen egg farm in Kajiado with an investment of Sh3.9 billion, leveraging Kenya’s zero-rated import policy for hatchery eggs.
- Zonken Group, a biotech firm, will invest Sh41.6 billion in an aloe vera processing plant on 300 acres in Baringo and an additional Sh10.4 billion for a 72-acre vineyard to expand grape exports.
- Huatian Hotel Group is investing Sh39 billion in Nairobi’s hospitality sector, acquiring and leasing hotels to meet increased demand from Kenya’s visa-free entry policy.
- Kenya Smart Transportation Industry Park and Anhui Jiubao Electronic Technology will inject Sh6.5 billion into a Murang’a-based factory to produce traffic lights and smart infrastructure equipment, creating another 5,000 jobs.
Additionally, President Ruto oversaw strategic partnerships between KenInvest and three key Chinese institutions, including the China-Africa Development Fund, Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Commerce, and Duofu International Holdings Group.
The China-Africa Development Fund has already invested $10 billion in Africa, and these new deals further reinforce Kenya’s role as a regional magnet for international capital.
President Ruto’s four-day state visit, made at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, includes top government officials such as Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Cabinet Secretaries Lee Kinyanjui (Trade), Davis Chirchir (Roads), and William Kabogo (ICT).
As Kenya prepares to host the 2026 Investor Conference in Nairobi, the President’s message is clear: the country is poised for transformative economic growth driven by strong international partnerships and targeted investments.
Stay tuned with Nairobian for the latest developments on Kenya’s economic partnerships and investment landscape.
In other news:President Ruto Questions UN Security Council’s Relevance, Urges Global Reform
Ruto Secures Sh107 Billion in Chinese Investments to Drive Kenya’s Economic Growth